Gas prices locally have risen in the past two weeks, just in time for the 10th anniversary of "National Dump the Pump Day" on Thursday.

The day was created in 2005 as a way to encourage people to cut down on the use of gas and oil by using alternative means of transportation, such as municipal buses. It was seen as a way to cut the country's dependence on foreign oil, protect the environment and improve the quality of life in cities and towns throughout the nation.Using mass transit not only cuts back on the use of gas and oil, but it's a way to save money. Latest reports from the American Public Transportation Association shows that a family with two vehicles used daily during the workweek can save as much as $9,000 a year by using public transportation.Public transportation systems across the country are offering free rides on their fixed routes to demonstrate the benefits of using such systems.In Schuylkill County, there are eight fixed routes offered by the Schuylkill Transportation System Shenandoah, Minersville, Schuylkill Haven, Pottsville quick route, Pottsville loop, Tamaqua/McAdoo, Ashland and Mahanoy City. The first bus departs Union Station in Pottsville at 6:45 a.m. and goes to Shenandoah. The last bus departs at 5:10 p.m.Regular base fare on the fixed route is $1.35 one way. Starting July 1, the cost goes up to $1.40.The Tamaqua/McAdoo route has it's first pickup in Tamaqua shortly after 9 a.m., with a second trip shortly after noon. The route is a loop and includes stops at the Schuylkill and Fairlane Village Malls, as well as the opportunity to transfer between routes.For more information on STS, call 570-429-2701 or 800-832-3322, or visit www.go-sts.com.Public transportation doesn't just help save the environment or help people save money. Communities with public transportation are more competitive. They also helps communities grow and prosper, as for every $1 invested in public transportation, $4 is returned in economic returns.